Minibikes - Popular, Yet Unpopular

It seems the world is divided when it comes to minibikes. Some people love them, and can't get enough, while others hate them and try to have them outlawed. Those that love minibikes own them, ride them, and even race them. Those that hate them lobby against them and complain about them.

Anyone who has ever had the opportunity to ride a minibike knows why they are loved and enjoyed. But you should also know why some people don't like them, and want them outlawed. In some cases, this hatred is caused by the minibike owners themselves.

First, unless a minibike is street legal, it is not allowed on public roads or highways. Many minibike owners tend to ignore this law, which angers the other vehicle owners on the roads. You should realize that there are reasons for these laws. Minibikes are not street legal because they don't have the proper safety equipment that would make them visible to other traffic. They are so small to begin with that other traffic has a hard time seeing them - and without those added lights, reflectors, and mirrors, they are even more dangerous.

Minibike owners also ride their minibikes in other places that they shouldn't, such as public parts. Many are incredibly irresponsible, and ride too close to children playing, joggers, or people walking. Again, this is very dangerous, and makes it hard for everyone to enjoy the public property. Furthermore, there have been many accidents related to minibikes because inexperienced people are riding them at high speeds.

As a minibike owner, you need to respect the rights of others, just as they respect your rights. There are acceptable places to ride your minibike. Go-Kart tracks often hold races, and many personal property owners who have a lot of space will give you permission to ride on their land - if you ask for permission, and agree to hold them harmless.

So, before you complain about the people who hate minibikes and want them outlawed, look to see if you are doing anything to add to their hatred.